The containment of the Grampians National Park bushfires has paved the way for the reopening of businesses in Pomonal, including the General Store, pubs and restaurants.

Popular winery, microbrewery and cider house Pomonal Estate is open to receive visitors eager to experience the winery’s cellar door, renowned menu, and new villa accommodation. Next weekend the Estate hosts an afternoon show from celebrated Hong Kong / Canadian multi-instrumentalist Tennyson King, whose joyous indie-folk has made him a favourite on the live circuit.

If you can’t get up to Pomonal Estate during these next few weeks, consider purchasing a gift voucher or a bottle of the Atchisons’ acclaimed wine through the online shop – or book your spot at the winery’s upcoming curated brunch event for Forage and Feast festival, set for Sunday 9 February. 

Just a few days before Christmas, Pomonal Estate’s Adam Atchison volunteered his skills inside the bustling kitchen of another Pomonal business: Barney’s Bar and Bistro. Owned by local legends Col and Sue Macaffer, the pub and restaurant had its capable hands busy feeding CFA firefighters on break from the frontlines of the fire. 

The Macaffers led the Barney’s team in their mission to feed volunteers and locals across the fire’s active period, but are now finally able to throw their doors open to the public once more. Affirming themselves “excited to welcome you all back”, Barney’s Bar and Bistro is open from 11.30am ‘til late, Thursday to Sunday. 

“Barney’s, Pomonal Estate, and Pomonal’s other local businesses are indispensable to the life and economy of our community,” says Ararat Rural City Council Mayor, Cr Jo Armstrong. “They’ve done wonderful work taking care of volunteers, alongside demonstrating their own personal tenacity and passion for this region. Visiting Pomonal and its businesses is the best possible way of celebrating the township’s reopening.”

Image L - R: Ararat Rural City Mayor Jo Armstrong, Sue Macaffer (co-owner of Barney's Bar and Bistro), the Hon. Natalie Suleyman (Minister for Small Business and Employment, Veterans, Youth) and Col Macaffer (co-owner of Barney's Bar and Bistro) at the Minister's visit to Pomonal, Thursday 9 January 2025.